step 2 cs physical exam question

[SandP]

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in step 2 CS first aid, in the practice cases there are bolded and unbolded parts of the physical exam that are recommended. does this mean we should only aim to do the bolded ones? or all of them?

 

[eduh]

During the real exam you may find that you don't have time to do a complete physical exam. in that situation you should do a focused exam relevant to the chief complaint or according to what is bothering the patient most (ex, abdominal pain, do an abdominal exam). If you have time toss in CV and Chest but as long as you're doing the most important things (to help with your write up) you should be fine.

 

[therealfinale]

Most of the time do a focused PE. I think I threw in CV/Chest occasionally when I had time. It's really a timing thing you need to get down. History in this much time, PE in this much time, counseling in this much time. If you have to choose between PE and counseling, choose counseling. You can always do the PE after counseling if you end up with a minute or so-you'll still get the points.
Make sure to be really personable and nice, as if each patient you're seeing is your favorite patient.